Franchises pick us because we adjust to conditions, says Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi has stated that himself, and his fellow country spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, adjust to conditions very well, justifying their selections in different leagues around the world. He also shared how he strategizes to play in different conditions and for different teams.

Mohammad Nabi has started his season in the Indian Premier League phenomenally well. He has been a part of only two out of the four games for his team, but has been unplayable and has scalped six wickets at an economy rate of little above five, thus far.

“I do nothing different. I play my natural cricket. It is just that the conditions are different, so I adjust to the conditions as soon as possible,” said Nabi, after his team Sunrisers Hyderabad’s five-wicket win over Delhi Capital.

But the all-rounder was quick to point out that this is not the first time that the trio of Afghan spinners, referring to himself, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, have tasted success. Apart from their resounding success in international cricket and various other leagues around the world, he singled out the spin trio’s performance in Australia’s Big Bash League, where they have scalped 67 wickets in 58 matches.

“We have been already successful in Australia at Big Bash. That’s why they pick us (Afghan spinners). The main thing is to adjust to the conditions. Here most of the times, the condition is such that the ball is turning. In Australia, it is totally different, there is bounce and not that much turn, so you have to stick to your line and look for dot balls,” he remarked.

Nabi has been a part of Afghanistan’s setup since their inception in international cricket and has been a consistent performer for them, having played 111 ODIs and 68 T20Is, and was even a part of their two Test matches until now. On the other, 20-year-old Rashid made his debut in late 2015, and has quickly risen through the ranks to become the number one ranked T20I bowler. Nabi shared his experience of learning on the job, and also, bowling in tandem with the youngster.

“We have been playing together for the last three years for the team, so we wait for our chance and give more than 100 percent. The important thing is to read the batsmen, what is he doing. If he is looking to score runs then you can’t bowl the same ball again. It comes automatic with experience,” the 34-year-old said.

Nabi also shared his strategy in ODI cricket, where his role is more or less limited to bowling economically, whereas, the 18-year-old Mujeeb and Rashid are the primary the wicket-takers, evident with the fact that they have taken 174 wickets combined in just 85 matches.

“My strategy is always that when I get to bowl after 10 overs, I look for dot balls because it creates pressure and then Rashid and Mujeeb can get wickets from the other end,” he explained.

The right-hander also divulged into details of Khan’s bowling, and what makes him such a dangerous bowler.

“Rashid is a different spinner than other leg-spinners. He is quick through the air and he is sharp and his googlies are not read well by the batsmen, so they want to stay on strike and make mistakes,” he explained.

Last but not the least, the senior player also acts as a guide to his younger compatriot Rashid and gave some insights about the same.

“Sometimes, you can’t get the variation, sometimes you lose concentration, so when we (Nabi and Khan) play together in the national team or any other team, you have to make him understand, what is the batsmen doing, what field you need to set. If you try for more dot balls, then the batsmen will make mistakes. If you run after wickets, you will get hit more,” he signed off.

The Sunrisers will take on Mumbai Indians tomorrow, at Hyderabad, in their next encounter.